Every year Uzbekistan attracts millions of travelers from all over the world with its fascinating history, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. It keeps the secrets of many civilizations and the history of outstanding personalities who lived here before. If you plan to travel to Uzbekistan, you may learn more about its regions and their differences.
North of Uzbekistan
In the northern part, Uzbekistan shares the borders with Kazakhstan. Here stretches the endless desert of Kyzyl Kum. In Kyzyl Kum desert, locals are engaged in grazing, mainly Karakul sheep and camels. Therefore, here you can find yurt camps, where you can be welcomed by locals and share a home-cooked dinner or lunch. Jeep safaris are also popular in the desert. During such trips, you can see the drying up Aral Sea and you will be able to learn a lot about the culture, life, and traditions of the local population.
The mysterious city of Khiva is also located in the north of the country. Once upon a time, the Great Silk Road passed through the city with endless caravans loaded with different goods. Today Khiva, hidden in the sands of the Kyzyl Kum, resembles a quiet oasis. Many mosques, madrasahs, and minarets are scattered around the city. The older part of Khiva Ichon-Kalan looks like a museum containing amazing examples of Islamic architecture.
Another famous place in northern Uzbekistan is Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan. The city is worth a visit at least to discover the outstanding collection of Soviet avant-garde in the Savitsky Museum.
South of Uzbekistan
In the south of the country, the must-see destination is the hometown of Timur – Shakhrisabz. The city’s historical center is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. One of these monuments is the ruins of Timur’s palace – Aksaray. The construction work of the palace continued for 24 years, almost until the conqueror’s death. The rooms were decorated with gold and the facades were covered with colored tiles. To this day, only small structures have remained from this majestic building.
The Fergana Valley located in the south is famous for its fertile lands, irrigated by the Syrdarya and Naryn rivers, which makes it a perfect place for agriculture. The biggest cities of the valley are Andijan, Margilan, and Kokand. Andijan, surrounded by mountains, was part of the Silk Road. In Margilan you can visit the famous silk factories. In ancient times, silk caravans were sent from Margilan to other countries, where the quality of local silk was highly valued.
Samarkand through Bukhara
The region of Samarkand and Bukhara is the most visited in the country.
One of the oldest and most popular among travelers city of Uzbekistan is Samarkand. Once it was the capital of Timur’s vast empire. Today, the greatness of the city is reminded by its many monuments, such as the Registan Square, the Gur-Emir mausoleum, where the conqueror Amir Timur himself rests, the beautiful mosques Bibi-Khanum and Khazrat-Khyzr, the Ulugbek observatory and many other historical monuments.
Bukhara is one of the most important centers of Islam not only in Central Asia but throughout the Muslim world. Numerous ancient mosques and madrasahs have been built in the city. The heart of the city is Lyabi-Khauzu Square, surrounded by architectural monuments and cozy restaurants. In addition to madrasahs and mosques, the Ark fortress has been perfectly preserved in Bukhara.
